Bears rider Jonathan Bethell was the somewhat surprise winner of the Humber League Riders' Championship at Hull's Craven Park.

The 27-year old electrical engineer from Oxenholme, Kendal, was second in his first ride to Scunthorpe's David Speight, who along with teammate Richie Dennis, were pre-meeting favourites. Two riders from each member club (Hull Magic, Preston Road Flyers, Middlesbrough Bears & Scunthorpe Scorpions) were represented.

The meeting had to be curtailed to four heats from the usual six due to an accident in the first heat when Hull Magic's Phil Pickering dislocated his shoulder and had to be taken to hospital. The meeting was held up for 20 minutes and in that time the referee said the championship should be decided over two rides to meet the 10pm curfew.

Bethell knew he had to beat Dennis in his second ride to stand any chance of taking the silverware. Speight also needed to win his second ride to clinch the title. Bethell rode a superb line to outwit Dennis from gate two, who had been unbeaten in all his previous rides at Hull. Dennis may have had the speed but for two laps he was embroiled in a wheel-to-wheel battle with Hull Magic's Mike Pickering. By the time he had managed to secure second place Bethell was way out in front. Dennis made some headway on the last lap but Bethell outmanoeuvred him round the final two bends to take the chequered flag. In the next heat there was tragedy for Speight has he failed to make the two minute time allowance due to engine problems.

Bears team manager, Steve Harland, said: "We are pleased for Jonathan because of the commitment he has shown to our cause this season. He has been on a steep learning curve since he moved from motocross and appeared at Newcastle's press and practice day. As soon as we found out Newcastle weren't interested in him we moved in to sign him and Buxton also took him for their Conference League fixtures."

The Bears other representative Gary Flint had bike problems in his first ride but managed to secure joint third place overall, in what was a good night for the club.

The Bears have managed to organise one final fixture before the season finishes. The Bears will be travelling to Norfolk's Saddlebow Stadium to take on a junior side representing King's Lynn on Wednesday, October 8 at 7.30pm. Former Middlesbrough riders Shane Parker and Mark Lemon will be featuring in the main match as King's Lynn face Somerset in a Premier League match. The Bears will be in action immediately following this fixture. Former captain Shane Parker will be receiving an award as he was voted former Middlesbrough rider of the year by visitors to the 'Cleveland Parklife' website which traces the history of the sport in Middlesbrough. The Bears provisional line-up is as follows: 1 Gary Flint; 2 Jonathan Bethell; 3 Danny Norton; 4 Steve Jones.

HULL-based junior Phil Downes who guested for the Bears in their ill-fated trip to Glasgow has been released from hospital. The 24-year old suffered a broken cheekbone, nose and finger in a freak crash at Glasgow's Saracen Park in conditions not suitable for racing, must make weekly visits to his local hospital until he fully recovers. Downes says the crash hasn't perturbed him.

HULL are ending their season in style with a star studded line-up that features former Middlesbrough rider Gary Havelock. A three team six rider event has been organised featuring a number of top class international riders such as 1993 world champion Sam Ermolenko and 1992 world champion and current England captain Gary Havelock. A mystery third guest with impeccable Grand Prix credentials, a host of former and current Hull riders and guests from abroad complete the line-up who will see the season out in style. The action takes place tonight.